Pile cutting machine



Aug. 4, 1959 Filed Feb. 6, 1957 G. H. SANDERS 2,897,574

- PILE CUTTING MACHINE 5 sheets-sheet 1 (loe la? 'l I I I )LN S N INVENTOR: GRAW +I. SANDERS BY www2-RIM "IW ATTORNEYS Aug. 4, 1959 G. H. SANDY-:R

PILE CUTTING MAHINE Filed Feb. 6. 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR:

GRADY H. SANDERS.

ATTORNEYS PILE Ailg. 4, 1959 Filed Feb" 6. 1957 H. SANDERS CUTTING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug. 4, 1959 G. H. SANDERS PILE CUTTING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 6, 1957 Nom INVENTOR: GRADY H. SANDERS ATTORNEYS G. H. SANDERS PILE CUTTING MACHINE Aug. 4, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 6, 1957 ]PILE CUTTING MACHINE Grady H. Sanders, Graniteville, S.C., assigner to Graniteville Company, Graniteville, S.C., a corporation of South Carolina Application February 6, 1957, Serial No. 638,540

8 Claims. (Cl. 26-10) This invention relates generally to machines for cutting the float threads of a fabric in the manufacture of pile fabrics such as corduroy, velvet and similar fabrics. This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Pile Cutting Machine, led March 16, 1954, Serial Number 416,614.

Corduroy and similar fabrics include a ground or base fabric on which are formed relatively narrow juxtaposed parallel ribs or races of recurrently floating weft threads which extend lengthwise throughout the fabric and transversely substantially throughout the width of the fabric. The ribs or floated weft treads thus formed are usually of uniform width and seldom exceed one-sixteenth of an inch in width. After the fabric is woven, the ribs or oat weft threads are cut so that the ends of the threads may turn outwardly from the body or base of the fabric to States .Patent "O l l 2,897,574 Patented Aug. 4, 1959 ice mounting means for the cutter guides comprising a normally stationary primary guide support or hammer bar extending transversely of the machine and engaging the -free ends of each of the guides for normally holding the guides in a stationary position during operation of the cutting machine and means for moving the primary guide `support to an inoperative position away from the ends of the guides, upon stopping the machine, to permit free access to the guides.

It is another object of this invention to provide a movable cloth platen, straight bar or straight-edge normally positioned adjacent the peripheries of the disk cutters and movable away from the cutters to further assist in removal and replacement of damaged cutter guides when necessary.

It is another object of this invention to provide an imv proved pile cutting machine which includes an improved form rows of tuft or pile on the finished surface of the circular cutting blades spaced above alternate ribs or races Y of floated weft threads, one end of a slotted cutter guide is associated with each cutter disk and penetrates the fabric between the base fabric and the floated pile forming thread to support the oated threads as they are severed by the cutters. The free ends of the guides are engaged by hammers, thrust bars or pushers reciprocated or diven by a series of cams to thus reciprocate the guides continually during the cutting operation. Since it is impossible to position the cutter guides and cutters close enough to cut each race of oated weft threads, in one operation, it is conventional to space the guides and their respective cutters so that they will cut alternate longitudinally extending races of oated threads in one operation and then upon passing the fabric through the cutting machine a second time to cut intervening rows of floated threads to form the pile on the surface of the fabric. It has been found with machines of the above mentioned type, that pushing or reciprocating the guides relative to the disk cutters and the fabric has a tendency to cause the ends of the guides to be pushed through the base or oated threads of the fabric, resulting in the guides becoming bent or broken and thus leaving an area of the oated threads uncut. The means for reciprocating the guides including the hammers and the-cams for reciprocating the same cause extra maintenance problems as well as being an added expense in the manufacture of this type of pile cutting machine.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide an improved pile cutting machine in which the guides associated with each of the cutters remain stationary, relative to the cutters, during normal operation of the cutting machine to thereby greatly simplify the construction and operation of the machine as compared to pile cutting machines used heretofore.

It is another object of this" invention to provide novel driving mechanism for drawing the cloth or fabric through the machine and an improved fabric tensioning means for maintaining a uniform tension on the fabric during its travel through the machine. The improved drive includes lmeans to start rotation of the cutter blades prior to initial movement of the cloth or fabric so that the blades reach their normal operating speed of rotation before the cloth or fabric begins to ybe pulled through the machine. With the cutter blades rotating rat full speed before the cloth begins to move, all of the oated threads forming each of the ribs will be severed to thereby prevent bending and breaking of the corresponding guides and since the blades cut best when rotating at full speed the life of the cutter blades or the length of time they may be operated before they have to be sharpened will be increased. The improved pile cutting machine also includes means for heating and drying the fabric prior to cutting the oated weft yarns.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated,

other objects will appear as the description proceeds whenA taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a right-hand side elevation of the improved pile cutting machine;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view taken along the line 2 2 in Figure l;

Figure 3 is a left-hand side elevation of the improved pile cutting machine;

Figure 4 is a front elevation of the improved pile cutting machine with the central portion and the rear cloth let-off roll supporting upright broken away;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 in Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse sectional View with the central portion thereof broken away and being taken substantially along the line 7-7 in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the electrical cuit for the improved pile cutting machine.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the improved pile cutting machine includesright-hand and lefthand side frames broadly designated at 10 and 11 respectively. The right-hand frame member 10 (Figure 1) includes respective rear, intermediate and front vertical standards 15, 16 and 17, the rear and intermediate standards i5 and 16 being bridged by respective upper and lower longitudinally extending frame members 20 and Z1 suitably secured at opposite ends to the frame members l5 and 16. The intermediate and front vertical frame members 16 and 17 are bridged by respective upper, intermediate and lower longitudinally extending frame members 22, 23 and 24. The left-hand side frame 11 (Figures 3 and 6) includes respective rear, intermediate and front cir- vertical supports or frame members 30, 31 and 32, the rear and intermediate vertical frame members 30 and 31 are bridged by longitudinally extending respective upper and lower frame members 35 and 36 suitably secured at opposite ends to the frame members 30 and 31. The in'- 'termediate and front vertical frame members 31 and 32 are bridged by suitable respective upper, intermediate and lower frame members 40, 41 and 42. The frame members and 11 are spaced apart from each other and supported by transversely extending horizontal support members 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54 (Figure 6) and the side yframes10 and 11 are additionally spaced and supported by respective tie rods in 60, 61, 62 and 63, opposite ends of which are xed in the side frames 10 and 11.

The rear vertically extending frame members and 30 support respective upper horizontally extending braced brackets 65 and 66 which carry at their rear ends respective U-,type bearing blocks 67 and 68 in which the re- 4 tation in bearings 98 and 99 suitably secured to the upper surfaces of the respective longitudinally extending frame members and 35.

Although two braking rolls 86 and 95 are shown, it is to be understood that the machine could be operated with o'nly one braking roll and two braking rolls are provided to maintain a more even let-off or tension on the fabric F as it is pulled through the improved pile cutting machine. A more even tension is applied with the use of two rolls because regardless of the type of brake used to hold back the rolls there must be some slippage in order for the roll to be rotated and in all cases the slippage will be uneven in one roll. By using two rolls the uneven slippage in one roll will be compensated for by the other duced ends of a cloth feed or let-olf roll 70 is journaled.

A roll of fabric or cloth F, of the type having a ground or base fabric B (Figure 7) on which are formed juxtaposed longitudinally extending parallel ribs, rows or races 4R of recurrent, uncut floated weft threads, is wound onto the shaft or roll 70 in the usual weaving operation. The fabric F is adapted to be withdrawn from the let-olf roll 70 and passes forwardly over a roll or bar 72 spanning the distance between the upper ends of the rear vertical frame members 15 and 30 (Figures 1 and 3).

The fabric F then extends downwardly and may, if desired, pass around a heated idler roll 75 (Figures 1, 3 and 6) suitably journaled for free rotation in bearing vblocks 76 and 77 carried by the respective longitudinally extending upper frame members 20 and 35. The heated idler roll 75 may be heated in any suitable manner such as bythe insertion of a live steam line 80, illustrated in Figure 3 and, of course, the roll 75 may also be heated by other means such as electrical heating elements, hot water or gas ame. The heated idler roll 75 is provided to help dry out moisture present in the cloth or any sizing solution previously applied to the cloth and tends to thus stiifen the oat yarns comprising the rows or ribs R and condition the float yarns so that they may be more easily cut by the cutting blades since a stiff, dry yarn is more easily cut than damp, limp yarn. With easier cutting of the 'floated threads through the use of a heated roll, Athere will be 'less stoppage of the machine and thus increase production land the machine may be operated at a higher rate of speed than is possible without the heated roll. Although a heated roll is-shown and described, it is to be understood that the machine will operate, though not as efliciently, without the heated roll 75.

The fabric F extends from the heated idler roll 75 to partially surround a guide roll 82 (Figure 6) suitably supportedy for rotation in bearings 83 and 84 (Figures 1 and 3) Vcarried by the respective longitudinally extending frame members 20 and 35 respectively. From the guide roll 82 the fabric F extends upwardly and partially surround (Figure 6) a first relatively large fabric tensioning roll 86, which also may be termed as a fabric hold-back roll or a fabric braking roll. The roll 86 is preferably of tubular construction with opposite ends thereof being closed and having reduced end portions 87 and 88 (Figures 2 and 3) journaled for rotation in bearings 90 and 91 suitably secured to the upper surfaces of the respective longitudinally extending frame members 20 and 35. In order to insure ample traction between the fabric F and the roll 86 it is preferable that the periphery of the roll be covered with a card clothing material or provided with pins, or a suitable abrasive material. The manner of braking or applying tension to the roll 86 will be later described.k

The fabricF is then passed forwardly and over a second fabric tensioning roll 95 which is identical to the tensioning roll 86 and may be controlled in the same manner as the ,roll 86. The roll 95 has reduced end portions or shafts .96 and 97 (Figures 2 and 3) journaled for roroll with the likelihood of uneven slippage occurring in both rolls at once being very remote.

From the braking roll the fabric F extends downwardly at an angle and beneath a guide roll or rod 100 which may be rotatably mounted at opposite ends in bearings 101 and 102 suitably secured on the respective longitudinally extending frame members 20 and 35. The fabric F then passes upwardly and over the guide rod 60, opposite ends of which may be fixed adjacent the upper ends of the intermediate vertical frame members 16 and 31. From the guide roll 60 the fabric F passes over a fabric platen broadly designated at 106, including an upstanding rear transversely extending fabric guide 107 and an upstanding transversely extending straight-edge 110 spaced forwardly of the Vguide 107. In its path of travel from the fabric guide 107 to the straight-edge 110 of the fabric'platen 106, the fabric F passes through a stop motion apparatus broadly designated at 111, to be later described. Opposite ends of the fabric platen 106 (Figure 7) have outwardly projecting relatively thin supporting portions 112 and 113 integral therewith which rest upon and are adapted to have sliding movement on the respective upper longitudinal frame members 22 and 40. Each of the outwardly projecting portions 112 and 113, of the fabric platen 106, is slotted to receive the medial portion of respective shoulder screws 114 and 115 whose lower ends are threadably embedded in the corresponding frame members 22 and 40 to permit longitudinal movement of the platen 106 and prevent rocking movement thereby. rMeans are provided, adjacent opposite 4ends of the reduced portions 112 and 113 of the fabric platen 106, to shift or move the fabric platen 106 forwardly into operative position (Figure 6) or rearwardly to inoperative vposition (Figure 5) as desired, in a manner to be later described.

From the straight-edge portion 110 of the fabric platen 106, the fabric F extends downwardly and forwardly at an angle and passes over a guide roll or rod (Figures 4 and 6), opposite ends of which may be rotatably mounted in'bearings 121 and 122 xed on inwardly projecting extensions of the front vertical frame members 17 and 32 respectively. From the roll 120 the fabric F passes downwardly and slightly rearwardly at an angle over the tie rod '61 and from the tie rod 61 to partially surround a hollow draw-off roll 125. The roll is driven at a variable predetermined speed, in a manner to be later described, and the surface of the roll 125 may also be covered by a suitable abrasive surface, preferably card clothing material similar to the rolls 86 and 95. From the draw-ofl` roll 125 the fabric F is drawn upwardly over the tie rod 62 and then rearwardly to pass over the tie rod 63 and taken up on a suitable shaft or take-up rod (Figures 1 and 3). Opposite ends of the shaft 130 are suitably journaled in U-type bearings 131 and 132 suitably secured on the rear end of respective support brackets'133and 134, the forward ends of which are fixed on the rear vertical frame members 15 and 30 respectively.' The take-up shaft 130 may be driven, to take up the fabric F and form a suitable roll on the shaft 13, in a manner to be later described. The straight-edge 110 is normally disposed in close proximity to the periphery of a series fof closely spaced rotary cutting blades or disk cutters 140 (Figure 6) which are mounted to be rotatably driven on a driven cutter supporting shaft 141 (Figures 4, and 6). The disk cutters 140 each have sharpened peripheral edges and are spaced from each other a distance equal to the distance from center to center of alternate races or ribs R (Figure 7) formed on the fabric F and are maintained in spaced relationship by means of spacing collars or sleeves 142, slidably mounted on the shaft 141. Each of the disk cutters 140 is provided with a plurality of radially spaced projections or keys 144a which mate with corresponding longitudinally extending grooves or keyways in the periphery of the shaft 141, thereby facilitating removal of the disk cutters 140 and the sleeves or collars 142 from the shaft 141 when desired, but insuring that the disk cutters 140 will be rotated with the shaft 141. Opposite end portions of the shaft 141 are journaled for rotation in bearings 143 and 144 suitably secured to the upper surfaces of respective auxiliary horizontal frame members 145 and 146 spaced above the horizontal frame members 22 and 40. The rear ends of the horizontal frame members 145 and 146 are suitably secured to the respective vertical frame members 16 and 31 and their front ends have downwardly extending supporting legs which are fixed on the upper ends of the front vertical frame members 17 and 32.

One end of the shaft 141 is connected by any suitable means such as a universal joint 150 (Figure 4) to the driving shaft of an electric motor 151 suitably supported on an outwardly extending table or platform 152 secured to the side frame 32 and supported by a bracket member 153 (Figure 4). Operation of the electric motor 151 is controlled by a switch box 154 (Figures l, 3 and 4) which may be mounted on the vertical frame member 17 and forming a part of the electrical circuit, to be later described.

A conventional float or cutter guide 155 (Figure 5) of the type commonly used in machines of this character, is associated with each of the disk cutters 140 and is provided with a longitudinally extending slot or groove, not shown, to accommodate the lower portion of the corresponding disk cutter 140. One type of cutter guide 155 which may be used is clearly shown and described in the patent to C. A. Robinson No. 1,684,113 and therefore a detailed illustration and description is deemed unnecessary. As shown in the present application and in said patent the front ends of the guides penetrate the fabric F between the floated yarns forming the ribs R and the base B and guide the float yarns to the cutters 140 during operation of the machine. A transversely extending cutter guide support 156 is provided, which may also be termed as a hammer bar since it is employed in lieu of the usual type of reciprocating hammers heretofore employed for reciprocating the cutter guides 155, and the guide support 156 has a notch 160 extending the width of the support 156 for reception of the free ends of the cutter guides 155.

The cutter guide support 156 occupies the position shown in Figure 6 during normal operation of the cutting machine to hold the cutter guides 155 in a stationary position while the float yarns are cut by the cutters 140 and means are provided to move the cutter guide support 156 to a lowered or inoperative position, as shown in Figure 5, to facilitate removal of the cutter guides 155. Opposite ends of the cutter guide support 156 are suitably secured to or may be formed integral with the front portions of identical lever arms 161 (Figure 7) adjacent the side frames and 11 of the cutting machine. The lever arms 161 extend downwardly from the cutter guide support 156 and then rearwardly and are fixed intermedi-A ate their ends adjacent the ends of a transversely extending shaft 162 whose distal ends are oscillatably mounted in the horizontal frame members 145 and 146 and the medial portion of which extends through the opening formed between the cloth guide 107 and fabric straight- 6 edge of the fabric platen 106. The lever arms 161 extend rearwardly beyond the shaft 162 and are normally urged in a clockwise direction by identical tension springs 163, the upper ends of which are fixed on the free end of the levers 161 and the lower ends of which are fixed to suitable brackets 164 suitably secured to the respective side frame members 16 and 31.

Each of the lever arms 161 has an arcuate slot 165 (Figures 5 and 7) 4therein which is disposed substantially beneath the cutter guide support 156 and each of which is loosely penetrated by bolts and 171. The bolt 1711 penetrates the frame member 146 (Figure 6) and has a pair of lock nuts 172 threadably mounted thereon which may be adjusted in order to adjust the amount of pressure required to move the guide support 156 from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 5. The bolt 170 penetrates the horizontal frame member 145 and is provided with an internally threaded knob or hand wheel 175 which may be tightened on the corresponding bolt 170 to maintain the cutter guide sup port 156 in the desired position and which may be loosened to move the cutter guide support 156 vertically. In order to facilitate raising and lowering the guide support 156, by an operator, a curved upwardly extending handle 176 is provided (Figures l, 4 and 7) at the end of the cutter guide support 156 adjacent the side frame 10 of the cutting machine and the lower end of which is formed integral with the guide supportV 156. Y

When the guide support 156 is in the position shown in Figure 6, or the operative position, the rear end of the lever 161 adjacent the side frame 11 engages the plunger of a normally open switch 180 (Figures 5 and 8) to thereby maintain the switch 180 -in a closedvposition as long as the guide support 156 remains in operative position. The housing of the switch 180 is mounted on the vertically extending frame member 31 and is interposed in an electrical circuit in a manner to be later described.

In order to facilitate removal of any of the guides 155 it is desirable to shift or move the straight-edge 110 of the fabric platen rearwardly, to the position shown in Figure 5, relative to the disk cutters 140 to provide suicient space therebetween for entrance and removal of any 0f the cutter guides 155. In order to make the fabric platen 106 movable the reduced outer portions 112 and 113 have the front ends of respective extensively adjustable connecting links and 186 (Figures l, 3 and 7) pivotally connected thereto and the links 185 and 186 each extend rearwardly therefrom with the rear end of link 185 pivotally connected to a control lever or handle 187 in olf-center relation to a shaft 190 on which the lower end of the handle 187 is xedly mounted. The shaft 190 is journaled in bearings 191 and 192 suitably secured to the longitudinal 'frame members 20 and 35. The shaft 190 extends transversely of the machine and its end remote from the handle 187 has a coller 193 (Figure 3) fixed thereon to which the rear end of the link 186 is pivotally connected in off-center relation to the shaft 190.

The links 185 and 186 may be adjusted lengthwise so that when the point at which they are connected to the handle 187 and the collar 193 respectively and disposed in their forwardmost positions, the position shown in Figures l and 3, the front of the straight-edge 110 of the fabric platen 106 will be disposed in minutely spaced upper surfaces of the frame members 22, 40. A switch control arm (Figure 1) is fixed on the lowerend of the handle 187 and extends rearwardly torengage the plunger of a normally open switch 196 fixed on the longitudinal frame member 20. Thus, when the handle 187 is in the position shown in Figure l, the arm 195 will engage the normally open switch 196 to close the same and hold the switch 196 in closed position as long as the handle 187 is in the position shown in Figure l. Upon the handle 187 being moved in a clockwise direction, in order to move the fabric platen 106 rearwardly, the arm 195 will move away from the plunger of the switch 196 to thereby allow the switch 196 to move to an open position and to break an electrical circuit to the motor 151, in a manner to be later described.

In order to replace a broken, bent or worn guide 155, an operator will push the stop button'in the switch box 154, loosen the hand wheel 175, lower the handle 176 to thus lower the guide support bar 156 to the position shown in Figure 5, and shift the handle 187 in a clockwise direction, in Figure l, to thus move the links 185, 186 rearwardly and move the fabric platen 106 and its straight-edge 110 to the position shown in Figure 5. Upon movement of the straight-edge 110 rearwardly the uncut oat yarns of the ribs R will cause the guides 155, which are necessarily made from a relatively thin flexible metal, to swing downwardly when they are not supported in the groove 160 of the cutter guide support 156, such as the manner in which `the cutter guides 155 are illustrated in Figure 5.

In order to limit this downward movement of the cutter guides 155 and to also maintain the free ends of the guides 155 in substantially horizontal parallel relationship, a transversely extending auxiliary cutter guide support 200 is provided which is spaced rearwardly of the support bar 156 and is also spaced below the level normally occupied by the cutter guides `15S when they are in normal yarn guiding position (Figure 6). Opposite ends of the auxiliary cutter guide support 200 has downwardly and rearwardly extending integral extensions thereon which are adjustably secured to the upper ends of identical support arms 201. The lower ends of the arms 201 are xed to the frame members 22 and 40 as at 202 and spaced from the respective side frames 10 and 11 of the machine (Figure 7) by stub shafts .203.

With the parts of the machine in the position shown in Figure any one of the guides 155 may be removed by merely pulling the same forwardly or from right to left in Figure 5 until the forward end thereof, which normally extends beneath the floated threads of the fabric F, is released or moved out from beneath the uncut floated threads, at which time, there will be suflcient clearance between the fabric F and the cutter 140 for removal of the guide 155. A new, undamaged, guide 155 may then be replaced by placing the slot in the guide on the cutter 140 and lthreading the pointed forward end thereof beneath the uncut float threads of the fabric F.

The stop motion unit 111, shown in Figures 5 and 6 and schematically in Figure 8, ycomprises upper and lower respective relatively thin and at bars 205 and 206 between which the fabric F passes immediately prior to passing over the straight-edge 110 of the fabric platen 106 and also betweenwhich the front ends of the metallic cutter guides 155 are positioned. vThe cutter guides 155 are normally insulated from the lower bar 206 by the base B of the fabric F and are normally insulated from the upper bar 205 by the uncut floated yarns forming the corresponding ribs `R on. the fabric F. The upper and lower bars 205 and 206 extend transversely across the machine and the lower bar 206 is supported by an insulation strip 207 provided to insulate the bar 206 from the horizontal leg of a transversely extending angle bar 210, the vertical leg of which is fixed to the rear surface of the straight-edge 110 (Figure 5). removably mounted in vertical alinement with the lower bar 206 and ,may be removed to inspect the fabric when The upper bar 205 is'` it is desired to change one of the guides 155. Upon one of the guides 155moving through the base B of the fabric F to make contact with the bar 206 or in the event one of the guides 155 is moved through the oat threads to make contact with the bar 205 an electrical circuit will be completed between the respective bar 205 or 206, through the guide 155 and the guide support bar 156 and stop operation of the driving motors of the machine, in a manner to be later described, and to energize a warning device, such as an incandescent lamp 212 mounted on the horizontal frame member 146 (Figure 2) also forming a part of the electrical circuit to be later described.

The draw-ott roll is preferably of tubular construction, as shown in Figure 6, being closed at opposite ends and having shafts 215 and 216 suitably journaled in bearings 217 and 218 (Figure 4) mounted on respective longitudinally extending frame members 24 and 42. The shaft 215 extends beyond the bearing 217 and is provided with a sprocket wheel 220 xed thereon and which has a pulley 221 formed integrally therewith. The sprocket 220 is adapted to be engaged by an endless chain 223 (Figure l) which also engages and is driven by a sprocket 224 fixed on the output shaft of a variable speed unit 225 mounted on the transversely extending frame members 53, 54 and the unit 225 is driven by an electrically operable motor 226 (Figure 3). Since there are many different types of variable speed mechanisms which may serve equally as well, a detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary, it being sufficient to say that one type which may be used is a Reeves Vari'Speed Moto Drive such as is manufactured by the Reeves Pulley Company, Columbus, Indiana, and fully shown and described in their catalogue No. M-3 63. It is thus seen that upon rotation of the sprocket 224 rotation will be imparted to the sprocket 220, through the chain 223 and to thereby provide a constant predetermined speed to the draw-olf roll 125 Vto thereby draw the fabric F through the cutting unit whenever the electric motor 226 is energized.

The pulley 221 is engaged by an endless belt 230 (Figure 1) which also engages and drives a pulley 231 mounted on the take-up shaft for rotating the same to take up the fabric F and form a roll therefrom after it is processed. Thus, the take-uprshaft 130 will also be driven with rotation of the electric motor 226 and rotation of the draw-olf roll 125.

In yorder to provide the required tension or drag on the fabric F as it is pulled through the machine, the tension rolls 86 and 95 (Figures 2 and 3) are provided with suitable braking assemblies broadly designated at 235 and 236. The Vbrake assemblies comprise brake drums 240 and 241 fixed on the respective shafts 87 and 96 which drums are rotatable upon rotation ofthe rolls 86 andv 95 and respective brake shoe supporting disks 242 and 243 fixed against rotation on a frame 244. The disks 242 and V24T support the usual brake shoes and hydraulic cylinders, not shown, for operating the brake shoes to engage the peripheral ange `of the respective brake drum 240 and 241. Although the brake shoes and operating cylinders for the brake drums 240 and 241 are not shown in this application they may be of the type clearly shown and described in said copending application or may be of any conventional type having substantially the same construction as the usual type of hydraulic brake used in the automotive industry. The hydraulic cylinders, attached to the support disks 242 and 243 are connected by respective iluid pressure lines 245 and 246 (Figure l)V which are joined to one end of a common uid pressure line 247, the opposite end of which is connected to one side of a master cylinder 250. y The master cylinder 250 may be of conventional construction' such as is the type generally used for transmitting iluid pressure to and from the usual brake cylinders of automotive vehicles and, accordingly, a Vdetailed description thereof is deemed unnecessaIS-, The amount of 9 pressure under which the fluid is directed from the master cylinder 250, through the line 247, lines 245 and 246 and to the brake cylinders in the brake assemblies 235 and 236 is determined by the amount of pressure applied to a plunger or piston rod 252 extending into the master cylinder 250.

The master cylinder 250 is suitably secured to the vertical leg of a substantially L-shaped bracket or frame member 253 whose verti-cal and horizontal legs are suitably secured to the respective frame members 20 and 16 of the side frame 10 (Figure 1). The plunger 252 loosely penetrates the vertical leg of the L-shaped bracket 253 and is suitably connected to one end of a vertical arm of a bell crank 254 which is pivotally mounted as at 255 on a support arm 256 suitably secured to the vertical leg of the L-shaped bracket 253. The horizontal arm of the bell crank 254 has a weight member 257 adjustably mounted thereon, the position of which determines the amount of inward pressure exerted n the plunger or rod 252 and, accordingly, determines the amount of pressure at which the brake shoes, not shown, engage the inner surface of flange on the brake drums 24) and 241. Thus, if more tension is desired on the fabric F the weight member 257 may be moved to the left, in Figure l, to increase the amount of pressure exerted on the rod 252, increase the liuid pressure through the line 247 and lines 246 and v245 to exert more pressure against the respective brakeV drums 240, 241 and thus offer a greater resistance against rotation to the rolls 86 and 95 and increase the tension in the fabric F from theroll 95 to the draw-off roll 125. The use of two tension rolls is an improvement over any prior fabric tensioning means for cutting machines and provides `a more even tension on the fabric F since irregularity in tension of a single roll can occur because of any irregulan'ty in the brake shoes, not shown, the brake drums or binding of the roll shaft in the support bearing. The use of two tension rolls permits irregular tension on one roll to be evened out or compensated for by the other roll since it is Ivery unlikely that any irregularity in one of the brake drums, brake shoes or bearings will occur simultaneously in both rolls at one time.

In order to permit free rotation of the tensionrolls 86 and 95 without being encumbered by the tension of the rolls, such as'during a starting up operation when a new end of fabric F is threaded through the machine, during some stoppage of the machine when it is desired to pull additional fabric through the machine or to loosen the tension on the fabric F for other reasons, the horizontal arm of the bell crank 254 (Figure l) may be manually moved upwardly by means of a link or thrust rod 260 whose upper end is normally spaced below the horizontal arm of the bell crank 254. The upper portion of the link 266 is guided in the horizontal leg of the L.

shaped bracket 253 and its lower end is pivotally connected as at 261 to the `front end of a treadle or a foot operated lever 262 pivoted intermediate its end as at 263 on the frame member 16. The front end of the lever 262 extends forwardly beyond the side frame 10 and is adapted to be engaged by the foot of an operator for imparting downward movement thereto, thereby moving the link 26() upwardly into engagement with' the horizontal arm of the bell crank 254 and moving the same upwardly to release the pressure of the Ybrake shoes on the brake `drums 240 and 241 and free the tension rolls 86 and 95 for rotation.

Wiring diagram elements may be disposed remotely from the machine, if

desired.

It will be observed in Figure 8 that each of the electric motors 151 and 226 has one end of a group of three wires or conductors extending therefrom which are indicated at a and b respectively, which other ends are connected to one side of normally open relay switches 265 and 265'. A reversing relay switch 267is also provided and to one side of which one end of a group of branch wires or conductors lc are connected, the other ends of which extend from the group of wires b connected to the motor 226. Each of the switches 265, 265 and 267 are provided with respective solenoid coils 270, 271 and 272 for closing the respective switches upon energization of the coils. The switches 265, 265 and 267 have one end of respective sets of three wires or conductors d, e and f extending therefrom and the other ends of which are connected to primary lead wires indicated at 2, 3 and 4 suitably connected tov any suitable source of electrical energy, not shown.

The switch box 154 contains normally open respective start, Vjog and reversing push-button switches 5, 6 and 8 and a normally closed stop switch 7. When the pushbutton start switch 5 is manually depressed, current will flow from the main lead wire 2 through the right-hand wire in the group d, to which one side of the coil 270 is connected, from the coil 270 through wire 275, switch 180, wire 276, and to one side of a normally closed relay switch 280. From the opposite side of the switch 280 the current will flow througha wire 281, stop switch 7, a wire 282, one end of which is connected intermediate the ends of a wire 283. With the start switch 5 closed, momentarily, the current will ow through the switch 5, a wire 284, a solenoid coil 285, Wire 286 and to the main ground or lead wire 3. Upon the electrical energy completing the cycle, just described, the solenoid coil 270 will be energized to close the lswitch 265 and the coil 285 will be energized to start operation of a time delay relay 290, to be later described. Upon activation of the coil 270, the plunger in the switch 265 will be pulled to the right, in Figure 8, to thus close and connect the wires d with the wires a to start roperation of the electric motor 151, which drives the cutter blades 140, and at the same time closing of the switch 265 will connect one end of the wire 283 with one end of a wire 291, the opposite end of which is connected intermediate the ends of the wire 286. The electrical circuit to the coil 270 will still be complete after the start switch 5 is re-v leased since, electrical energy may then flow 'from the wire 282, through the wire 283, the switch mechanism 265, wire 291, wire 286 and lead wire 3 to thus continue completion of the circuit to the coil 270 and hold the switch 265 in the operative position until the circuit is broken by the switch 180, switch 280 or by pushing the stop button 7. Y

Upon activation of the delay relay 290 by energization of the coil 285, upon completion of the circuit just described, a normally closed switch 295 will be opened by movement'of a shaft 296 to operate a diaphragm in the relay 290 and open the switch 2,95. The switch 295 will disconnect an electrical circuit to the coil 271 which includes a wire 300, one end of which is suitalbly connected intermediate the ends of the Wire 283 and the other end of which is suitably connected to one side of the switch 295, a wire 301 connecting the switch 295 and one side of the normally closed switch 196. The opposite side of the switch 196 has one end ofa wire 302 connected thereto and the other end ofrwhich is connected intermediate the ends of a wire 303, one end of which is connected to one side of the solenoid coilV 271 in the switch 265. and the other end of which is connected to one side of the normally open jog switch 6. The other side of the coil 271 has one end of a wire 305 connected thereto andthe other endrof whichA isg joined intermediate the ends of the wire e connected` to the main lead wire 2.

Thus, upon thestart switch button being pushed, the

circuit will. be completed Ito the coil 285- to actuate theV circuit from themain leadv wire 2 through the right-hand' lead wire e, the coil 271, wire 303, wire 302, switch 196, Wire 301, switch 295, wire 300, -wire 283, switch 265, wire 291wire 286 and return to the main ground wire 3.i Thus, a circuit will be completed to the solenoid coil-271 to operate and close the switch 265- by moving the plunger thereof tothe right; in Figure l, to connect thewires e with the wires b to the electric motor 226 andv thus drives the fabric through the machine after the motor.- 151 `has had time to reach itsmaximum speed.

lf it is desiredto drive the fabric F a short distance through themachine with the guides removed and without operating the motor 151, as in starting a new length of fabric` through the machine, the jog button 6 may be depressed toA complete a circuit to the coil 271. Upon the button 6 being depressed the circuit will be completedf from the wire 2, wire 305, coil 271, wire 303, switch 6, 'a wire 306 and to the lead wire 3 -to energize the coil 271 and close the switch 2657 to operate the motor226..

yIn normal operation the fabric driving motor 226 and the motor 151, for driving the cutters 140 will continue to operate as long as the switches 196, 180 and the switch 280 remainin a closed position or until the stop switch 7 is pushed by an operator. In order to automatically stop the machine upon one of the guide wires 155 being moved; outwardly through the floated weft yarns forming the `ribs R'or downwardly through the ground or base B of theV fabric F,.the stop motion unit 111, previously described, will complete a circuit to the switch 280 and stop i operation of. both motors 226 and 151 as well as light the,warning signal 212.so that an operator will known at a glance that the machine has been stopped.

Thestop mechanism and the signal light 212 are operatedby a low voltage circuit which includes a step-down transformer 310, the input side of which is connected to the main lead wires 2 and 3 by respective wires 311 and 312. One side ofthe. output side of the transformer 310 is grounded to the frame Vof the machine as at 313 and the other side of which has one end of a wire 314 connected thereto and the other end of which is connected to one side of a solenoid coil 315. The opposite side ofthe solenoid coil 315 has one end of a wire 316 connected thereto and the opposite end of which is connectedto one side of a solenoid coil 317 for opening the relay switch 230. The opposite side of the solenoid coil 317 has one end of a wire 320 connected thereto and the opposite end of which is connected tothe lower stop bar 206. One end of a jumper wire or branch wire 321 is connectedi intermediate the ends of the wire 320 and Vthe opposite end is connected to the upper bar 205. The main wire 2 extends to one side of a normally open solenoid switch 325 and the` opposite side of which hasone endv of av wire 326- connected thereto and the opposite end of'whichis connected yto one side of the electric' light bulb or warning bulb 212 and the opposite side ofthe bulb 212 is connected-tothe end of the main lead wire` 3. The voltage step-down in thevtransformer 310`is" from 110 :volts to 6Y voltsfin order to provide a low vvoltage system which may bel grounded to anypart ofthe frame of the machine without the danger of'shccking an operator upon touchingthe machine. The guide `supporty bar 156 is suitably grounded to, any part ofthemachine asA at-330'and upon any Vof the guides 155 engaging either the upper'bar `205 or thelower bar 206, the l,guides being normally insulatedfrom .the bars 205v and 206,by the fabricV F, anelectrical circuit will be cornpleted'fromi the groundV 330 through the guides 155, bar

206, wire 320, solenoid coil 317, wire 316, solenoid coil- 315-, wire 314, transformer 310 and to the ground 313 to` thus energize theY coilY 317 and open the normally closed switch 280 and energize the coil 315 and close the normally open switch 325. When thek switch 280 is opened the circuit to the electric motors 151 and 226 will be broken to immediately stop the machine and closing the switchk 325 will complete the circuit to the electric bulb 212 to warn an operator that the machine has been stopped.

The switch 180 is provided as a safety so that the machine will not start unless the guide bar 156 is in its proper position so that the lever 161 engages and closes the switch 180. A second safety feature is the relay switch 280 which remains open and prevents starting the motors 151 and 226 when any one of the guides 155 engage the bar 205 or 206. Still another safety feature is the switch 196 which will prevent starting the motor, 226 so that the fabric .will not be moved unless the fabric platen 106 is in its operative position so that the arm 195 engages and closes the switch 196 and provides a complete circuit for starting the electric motor 226.

Thus, the electrical diagram, shown in Figure 8, includes a first safety switch 180, a second safety switch 280 and a third safety switch 196 which prevents operation of the machine unless the parts are in proper posi-v tion. The machine in conjunction with the switch 280 for operating a single light to indicate to an operator that the machine has been stopped, and time delay relay means 290 which allows the cutters and the electric motor 151 to reach their operating speed before movementand cutting of --the fabric F upon starting operation 0f the pile cutting machine.

It is to be understood that the wiring diagram (Figure 8)' is one of many ways in which the various elements of the machine may be electrically connected and the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangement shown.

The mechanical features of the machine are also greatly improved over the features of prior art machines iu thatr the guides remain stationary during the cutting operation and which thus enables the omission of many parts, heretofore used in pile cutting machines for reciprocating the guides during operation. There is also provided av movable fabric platen 106 which greatly facilitates removal and replacement of the guides 155, improved fabric tensioning means, effected by the two tensionA rolls 86 and 95, to insure a uniform rate of delivery or passage of the fabric F through the machine and a uniform rate of cutting by the disk cutters 140 and improved fabric conditioning, eected by the heated roll 75, which dries out any moisture present in the fabric, stiffens any size solution present on the yarns and thus facilitates cutting of the iioated yarns forming the ribs R on the fabric F.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specitc terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes ofv limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

f I' claim: Y

1. A machine for cutting floated threads of a fabric to for-m a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unitv comprising a series of spaced circular cutter blades mounted for rotation on asubstantially horizontalaxis, means for rotatably driving said cutters, means for feeding the fabric past said series of cutters, a guide for each cutter adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming thread, a cutter guideA support spaced inY advance of said cutters and having/means thereon forsupporting the ends of said guides remote from-the fabric in Vstationary position during nor- ,i mal operation' ofthe machine, means for lowering and tion of said driving means for said cutters and the means for feeding the fabric past said cutters.

2. A machine for cutting floated threads of a fabric to form a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unit comprising a series of spaced circular cutter blades mounted for rotation on a substantially horizontal axis, means for rotatably driving said cutters, means for feeding the fabric past said series of cutters, a guide for each cutter adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming thread, a cutter guide support spaced in advance of said cutters and having means thereon for supporting the ends of said guides remote from the fabric in stationary position during normal operation of the machine, means for lowering and raising said cutter guide support out of and into engagement with the cutter guides to facilitate repair and replacement of said guides, a movable fabric platen adjacent said cutters, iirst safety means responsive to movement of said cutter guide support for preventing operation of said driving means for said cutters and the means for feeding the fabric past said cutters, second safety means responsive to movement of said fabric platen for preventing operation of said means for feeding the fabric.

3-. A machine for cutting the oated threads of fabric to form a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unit comprising a series of disk cutters, a guide for each cutter adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming threads, means for feeding fabric past said cutters, a straight-edge positioned adjacent and preceding the fabric engaging the cutters and over which the fabric passes as the threads are severed by said cutters, manually operable means for moving said straight-edge towards and away from said cutters, and means responsive to movement of said straight-edge away from said cutters for stopping the machine.

4. A machine for cutting the floated threads of fabric to form a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unit comprising a series of disk cutters, cutter driving means for rotatably driving said cutters, a guide for each cutter adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming threads, a manually movable fabric platen for feeding fabric adjacent said cutters, fabric driving means for pulling fabric past said cutters and over said fabric platen, said platen including a normally stationary straight-edge positioned adjacent and preceding the fabric engaging the cutters and over which the fabric passes as the threads are severed by said cutters, manually operable means for moving said straight-edge towards and away from said cutters, and means responsive to movement of said straightedge away from said cutters for rendering inoperative the cutter driving means and the fabric driving means, a pair of fabric tensioning rolls preceding said cutters, and a fabric heating roll preceding said cutters.

5. A machine for cutting longitudinally extending rows of floated threads of fabrics to form a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unit comprising a series of spaced rotary cutters mounted on a horizontal axis, cutter driving means for rotating said cutters, a series of guides cooperating with each of said rotary cutters, one end of each of said guides adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming threads, a normally stationary primary common guide support having a guide receiving notch throughout its length for engaging and supporting the ends of the guides remote from the end thereof which enter the fabric, manually operable means for moving the primary guide support downwardly and upwardly relative to the guides, stationary auxiliary guide support means normally spaced below each of said guides for supporting the medial por- 14 tions thereof uponr the primary guide support beingvlowered out of engagement with the ends of the guides, fabric driving means following said cutters,v fabric tension means preceding said cutters, and fabric heating means preceding said cutters.

6. A machine for cutting the floated threads of fabricto form a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unit comprising a series of spaced rotatable cutters mounted on a horizontal axis, means for driving said series of cutters, means for feeding the fabric past said cutters, a guide for each cutter, a rst end of each of said guides adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming threads, a guide support spaced in advance of the point at which the pile forming threads are severedv by saidv cutters, means on said guide support for supporting the second ends of each of said cutter guides in stationary position during normal operation of the machine, manually operable means for raising and lowering said cutter guide support into and out of engagement with the second ends of said cutter guides to facilitate repair and replacement of said guides, time delay means to delay operation of the means for feeding the fabric past the cutters for a predetermined period after the means for driving the cutters has been initially started, and means operable automatically for stopping the means for driving the cutters and the means for feeding the fabric when said guide support is moved to inoperative position away from the ends of said guides.

7. A machine for cutting thefloated threads of fabric to form a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unit comprising a row of driven rotary cutters mounted in spaced relationship to each other on a substantially horizontal axis, a guide for each of Said cutters adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming threads, a movable straight-edge normally positioned in closely spaced parallel relation to the row of cutters and preceding said row of cutters and over which said fabric passes as the pile forming threads are severed, means for feeding said fabric past said row of cutters under predetermined tension, manually operable means for shifting said straight-edge away from and toward said row of cutters, means operable automatically upon shifting said straight-edge away from said row of cutters to cause cessation of movement of said fabric past the row of cutters, a cutter guide support spaced in advance of said row of cutters for supporting the ends of said guides remote from the fabric in stationary position during normal operation of the machine, manually operable means for lowering and raising said cutter guide support out of and into engagement with said cutter guides to facilitate repair and replacement of said guides, and means responsive to movement of l said guide support away from the ends of said guides for stopping rotation of said cutters.

8. A machine for cutting longitudinally extending rows of transversely floated threads of fabric to form a pile thereon, said machine having only a single cutting unit comprising a plurality of axially alined spaced r0- tary cutters mounted on a substantially horizontal axis, a slotted guide through which the lower portion of each rotary cutter extends, the first end of each guide adapted to enter the fabric between the body portion thereof and the pile forming threads, a fabric platen for supporting the fabric at the point at which the pile forming threads are severed, a driven draw-off roll over which said fabric passes as'it is pulled through the machine, fabric tensioning means engaging said fabric in advance of said cutters, a primary cutter guide support spaced in advance of the point at which the pile forming threads are severed by said cutters, guide support means on said guide support for supporting the second ends of said cutter guides remote from the fabric in stationary position during normal operation of the machine, means for lowering and raising said cutter guide support out of and into engagement with ,thesecond ends of said eutter'gnides to 'facilitate repair and repiacement of said guides, means for driving said cutters, 'means to delay operation of the means for feeding the fabric past the cutters for a predetermined period after the means for driving the cutters vhas been initially started, and means operable automatically for stopping the means for driving the cutters and the means for lfeeding the fabric when said guide support is moved downwardly away from the second ends of said guides.

Y References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 806,204 jkStanseld Dec. 5, 1905 907,334 Gildard Dec. 22, 1908 y 1,484,294 Boyd Feb. 19, 1924 Robinson Sept. 11, 1928 16 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain of 1876 Great Britain of 1853 Great Britain of 1901 Austria Feb. 10, 1910 France Sept. 23, 1876 Germany Jan. 8, 1902 Germany Jan. 8, 1902 Germany Feb. 20, 1923 Great Britain Dec. 1, 1936 France Apr. 10, 1915 

